We have entered a new world when searching for jobs post Covid-19. Stick around to learn some important tips that will help you nail your next job interview.
The pandemic has changed the world forever. It has crippled economies, travel, and normal daily activity. The unemployment rate has reached 14.8%, the highest it has been since 1984. Every state has reached larger unemployment rates during this pandemic then they did during the Great Depression. As the world slowly goes back to normal, these five tips below will set you apart from the competition and give you a leg up when job searching!
Tip 1: How Urgent is Your Need to Search
Is it safe to leave the house? This is different for everybody based on personal beliefs, family and personal health, and the area that you live in. Does searching for or going to a job put you or any one close to you at risk? If so, this may not be the best time for you to go out looking for a job.
- If this is the case, don't worry! There are several things you can begin to do that will help you when you are ready to go job searching. The most important thing is to stay healthy and safe during these troubling times.
- There are also plenty of alternatives. Provided below is a great link that can give you a head start in looking for entry level remote jobs! These 12 Entry Level Jobs Can Be Done Remotely And Are Now Hiring
Tip 2: Be comfortable with Networking Online
This step is extremely important and will continue to be important once COVID-19 is over, because even when COVID-19 is gone, businesses and the world are never going to be the same as they were before. There will be a larger percentage of jobs that stay remote. This means that When applying for jobs employers may not want to meet potential applicants face to face.
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Make sure you understand how to use zoom. This will require practice because interviewing online is a lot different than in person.
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Make sure you have an office space. This should be an area with no noise and a clean background for meetings and interviews.
Also, make sure to fix and update online networking sites like LinkedIn and Facebook. This pandemic has forced people to stay inside, so this is a great time to make sure you are looking good online. That way, companies can get the best first impression of you.
Tip 3: Stay in Touch
This might seem like a silly tip to some people, however this might be the most important one I have for you. It seems like every day we get a new update on Covid-19 and new protocols we are supposed to follow. This makes it extremely unpredictable for companies when hiring.
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You never know when a company is going to need someone. Make sure you don't give up on a company just because they are uninterested now, this could change in a week!
Another thing to keep in mind is that whatever you do, do not burn bridges. -
Everyone in the working world is connected. Especially if it is the same field. It's important not to burn bridges because you never know when that could bite you back.
Tip 4: Gather Intel
Knowing about the companies you are applying for is extremely important and can give you a leg up over your competitors.
- This is a perfect time to do research. Each company is going to be different; this is a great time to figure out what companies you want to apply for, if they are hiring, and some history about the company.
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It is important to ask good questions during an interview, and knowing background about the company and the employee hiring you will give you a great leg up!
This is also a great time to work on cover letters for the potential companies you are looking at.
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Make sure they are personalized for each company. If you need help with this, check out this article: Are Cover Letters Important? Why They Are, How To Write One
Tip 5: Boost Your Skills
There is no better time than now to work on boosting your skills and strengthening your resume.
- While at home, you can work on certifications from things like HubSpot and Hootsuite. You can also pick up a skill you did not have before like excel or other online software that will make you look better to potential employers. Now is the time to set yourself apart from the rest and go get that dream job!
- Resumes can always be better and stronger. This is a great time to look yours over and have a professional or another set of eyes look at it as well.
- It is also important to make sure that you add these new skills to your LinkedIn and other online networking sites. Never be satisfied with your portfolio. There are always ways to get better and improve.
Bonus tip:
Here are some great questions to ask after an interview.
- "How was your day to day life at work changed during the Covid-19 pandemic? o What do you and this company do to keep workers safe? Also, what is your policy regarding positive COVID-19 results?"
- "What happens to my job if there is another spike in positive tests results? Do I have job security?"
- "After what we talked about today, are there any hesitancies you have about hiring me?"
I hope these tips helped and gave you a good starting point when looking for a job after Covid-19. Practice interviewing as much as possible and run a couple of mock interviews if you can find someone willing to help. Remember a lot of businesses are struggling right now, so do not give up if the first few companies you reach out to do not pan out. If you have any questions, please visit Our First Job Search for more helpful tips!
